I'm on a journey to read through the Bible in chronological order. Taking it one day at a time, I will read based on a list I found on the internet and blog about what happened, thoughts provoked, emotions conjured, etc. Enjoy!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Day twenty-two: Genesis 30-31

Rachel and Leah have gotten themselves all worked into a frenzy. Rachel is mad that she's not having babies so she gives her servant to Jacob who has 2 sons. Then Leah gets mad that she hasn't conceived lately and gives her servant to Jacob who bears 2 more sons. The two even get in a buyout situation where Rachel agrees to let Leah have Jacob all to herself one night in exchange fer her sons produce. "You must sleep with me," she said. "I have hired you with my son's mandrakes." The whole concept just blows my mind... she hired her husband? Wha? Leah pops out a few more sons along with a token girl before God finally blesses Rachel with a child of her own--Joseph.

Jacob decides to leave Leah and Rachel's father (Laban) and return to the land of his father. There becomes a little dispute about livestock so Jacob flees without telling Laban. Before they leave, Rachel steals some things from her father's home. Laban catches up with them and accuses Jacob of robbing him. Sneaky Rachel keeps the treasures hidden in her camel's saddle while her father searches for them and then says she can't get off her camel because she's "on her period". Oh the things girls can get away with :) They decide everything is ok and make a covenant to not harm each other.

Jacob said that if the stolen items were found that the person should be put to death. I think he's being a little dramatic since he doesn't know his own wife stole the items and is so adamant to protect his integrity... wonder if the treasures will be found..